Institutions needing more PPE than they are able to obtain on their own - such as hospitals and long-term care facilities - make requests of local jurisdictions, which in turn request supplies from the state. The state works to support each jurisdiction to the extent possible. Due to the extreme supply constraints relative to need, for most of the pandemic, the state has only allocated PPE to users that fall in the tier 1 category, which includes hospitals and long-term care facilities with confirmed COVID-19 patients.

While supply still does not meet demand – and this will be an ongoing challenge – we are cautiously optimistic that some “PPE pipelines” to regularly bring needed items into the state are starting to flow. Setting up recurring orders, or “pipelines,” with vendors has been one focus of our ordering strategy. It appears this strategy may be starting to pay off for gloves, gowns, surgical masks and face masks. In the past week, we received 4.2 million gloves, 1.7 million gowns, 14.2 million surgical masks and 427,000 face shields. However, a number of factors can make estimated arrival dates unreliable including supply chain issues experienced by manufacturers; freight delays; delays and issues with clearing customs.

The state has recently begun PPE distributions for some items to local jurisdictions to supply requesters in other tiers, and we are cautiously optimistic that for some items we may be able to continue to meet immediate tier 2-4 needs for some items. This distribution is possible for some very specific PPE items versus all categories of PPE. This week, most tier 2-4 requests for KN95 masks, surgical masks, gowns and gloves can be filled.

The state continues working to expand access to PPE products and supplies so we can address further tier 2 through 4 needs as well as begin to address longer-term, ongoing needs of others at high risk. However, for all tiers, filling requests for some high demand items like N95 respirators remains an ongoing challenge.

More than 45 million items have been distributed since the state began purchasing PPE and accepting bulk donations.

Meeting immediate needs for local health departments

State officials prioritize distribution of PPE to local jurisdictions based on the most urgent needs. A key consideration in determining urgent need is most impacted health care providers caring for patients with COVID-19.

The amount of PPE delivered to local and tribal jurisdictions and health care providers will vary, but is distributed in quantities intended to cover immediate needs. Local health jurisdictions distribute PPE to individual facilities. The aim is to support every jurisdiction as much as possible, with the recognition that there is not enough to go around.

Ongoing needs

In addition to attempting to fill urgent short-term needs, the state is aggressively trying to source PPE products and supplies so we can address the longer-term, ongoing needs of health care providers and others at high risk. Because of a nationwide shortage on many PPE items, this effort is one of the state’s top priorities.

Supply vs demand

Global supply chains have been overwhelmed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Factors such as a growing number of COVID-19 cases, panic buying, and supply hoarding have led to shortages in PPE. And, unfortunately, without a national system of production and procurement, all 50 states are competing for crucial supplies.

PPE Needs

The State of Washington is seeking to fill shortages of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products to support our medical system, first responders, public health and care facilities.